WO1998021665A1

WO1998021665A1 - Electronic book

Info

Publication number: WO1998021665A1
Application number: PCT/MX1997/000034
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carlos Landetta Chombo
Original assignee: Carlos Landetta Chombo
Priority date: 1996-11-12
Filing date: 1997-11-12
Publication date: 1998-05-22
Also published as: MX9605558A; AU5069698A; US6313828B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electronic book which comprises a structure which can be unfolded into two sections which are joined by means of an assembly element of the hinge type which provides for the controlled movement of said two sections with respect to said assembly element to permit the opening and closing of said electronic book as well as the passage of various analog and digital interconnection elements required to interconnect the components of the hardware model.

Description

"EBOOK"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to electronic devices for processing and displaying information within the Computer Industry, and more particularly it is related to an electronic book.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The book is undoubtedly one of the most valuable tools that humanity has had throughout its history.

The book, as we know it today in its different types and qualities of presentation (covers, spine, sheets, etc.), is the result of an evolution of centuries, which included the use of every imaginable type of materials before arriving to the paper age.

From the fifteenth century, with the invention of mechanical printing, the book became an industry, which has reached large proportions due to various historical, economic and social factors, highlighting prominently among others the intensive dissemination of The information on a world scale, which, linked to the formidable technological progress that has been made in the field of communications in this century, has allowed us to reach the level that the Book Industry has today. The presence of the book in human evolution through the centuries has resulted in it being completely and naturally immersed in our culture, forming in itself what could be called the culture of the book.

The culture of the book is linked to a set of habits and customs underlying the paradigm associated with the intimate experience of reading a book, which in its essential meaning places us in front of the ideas that someone wrote, which translate into knowledge, feelings, information, etc.

On the other hand, with the computer as a central element, the technology focused on information management today forms a culture of its own, accessible to both the common user and the specialized user.

The intensive use of the resources of this computer culture has established the need to develop versatile and efficient options in the storage of information, presenting the marked tendency to adopt the compact disc (CD), as a prominent medium for these purposes , from its initial application limited to the storage of musical records.

Thus, the compact disc is rapidly becoming the storage medium par excellence, and there is already a real boom in the market with the offer of all types of applications in this format. Within these applications, the storage of the information content normally printed in books, already shows a promising future, already having a large repertoire of options: encyclopedias in compact disc, books for children in compact disc, language courses in compact disc, etc.

However, to date the books available on compact discs, are intended to be accessed only and exclusively by means of personal computers, which during this application deviate from the book paradigm, for obvious design reasons, thus prevailing the computer paradigm, the which finds its antecedent in the combination of the typewriter (keyboard) paradigm and the television (monitor) paradigm, which means that although there is a wide range of models and possibilities, computers maintain the concept of a keyboard with a monitor.

The binomial personal computer and book stored on compact disk, is perceived impractical, incomplete and inappropriate, since it is not considered that a personal computer is the ideal medium that invites us to assume the reading of a book, whose information is in electronic media . As a result of the above, we have sought to eliminate the aforementioned problems, and provide an electronic book that allows reconciling both the cutting-edge technology in computing, as the original concept of the book, through the application of an electronic device that allows facilities and tools of the state of the art in computing, with the habits, customs and ergonomics associated with the common use of the book printed on paper.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

Taking into account the defects of the prior art, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic book that allows information to be displayed interactively from electronic / optical storage media, in a functional, simple and practical manner, while maintaining the Conventional concept of a book. A further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic book, which in addition to performing the conventional function of printed books as a universal means of communication, take advantage of the latest technology in the field of computer science. It is a further object of the present invention, to provide an electronic book, which due to the characteristics of its design, is completely versatile to allow its operation at all hours and in any place, while retaining the characteristics of a conventional book.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic book, which allows to maintain and obtain the information contained in a library, using electronic means and minimum space requirements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel aspects that are considered characteristic of the present invention will be established with particularity in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, both by its organization and by its method of operation, together with other objects and advantages thereof, will be better understood in the following description of certain modalities, when read in relation to the accompanying drawings , in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic book in an unfolded position to show the double screen thereof, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a detail taken from section A-A 'of the electronic book shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view to show the electronic book of the present invention in a closed position, constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the electronic book of Figure 1 in an unfolded position, constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the electronic book of Figure 3, constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a rear perspective view to show an electronic book constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a block diagram to indicate the basic and complementary components of the hardware model used in the electronic book of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a block diagram to show the different modules of the master program used in the electronic book of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now more in detail to the drawings, and more specifically to figure 1 thereof, the electronic book of the present invention will be described in an unfolded position, taking into account that the electronic book will be described using the information source as CD; However, it should be emphasized that the electronic book is rather of general application, being able to use any other bank of information from a remote source, such as a personal computer, or a larger information bank, provided that Information is formatted for use in this type of electronic devices. Therefore, the following description of the various modalities of the electronic book of the present invention, described in relation to a compact disc, should not be considered restrictive of the present application, but merely illustrative thereof, since the electronic book is of General application and its description, in relation to compact discs, is given solely for the benefit of the clarity of the description.

The electronic book 100 of the present invention comprises a structure 101 deployable in two sections 102 and 103 of preferably rectangular shape, which are joined by means of an assembly element 104, which in the embodiment described is a sliding mechanism of the type hinge or similar, which allows the controlled movement of rectangular sections 102 and 103 on said assembly element 104, to allow the opening and closing of the electronic book 100, as well as to allow the passage of the various analog interconnection elements and digital required to interconnect the internal components of said electronic book 100.

It is important to mention that the assembly element 104 can be any other mechanism that allows the union and controlled movement of the rectangular sections 102 and 103, such as, among other retractable mechanisms, articulated mechanisms, etc .; in addition to the opening and closing of rectangular sections 102 and 103 can also be performed using automated means that allow automatically opening and closing said rectangular sections 102 and 103 simply by pressing a switch.

Rectangular sections 102 and 103 include liquid crystal displays 105 and 106 respectively, preferably rectangular, which allow the display of the information that is accessed to the electronic book 100; said liquid crystal screens may be of the conventional type, or screens of the touch type (touch screen). In the embodiment described, touch type screens are preferably used. Screens 105 and 106 include each and around them, bevels 107 and 108 respectively, such that the screen-bevel assembly resembles the pages of a conventional book with their corresponding margins. The rectangular section 103 in the embodiment described, includes in its lower section and within the area comprising the bezel 108, an input device 120 for controlling the screen cursor, preferably of the type known as mouse, which is located integrated to bevel 108 of rectangular section 103 of the electronic book. It is important to mention that the input device 120 can be located either in bezel 108, or in bezel 107 of rectangular section 102 of the electronic book, depending on the design requirements. At the side end 109 of the rectangular section

102 and opposite the spine 111 of the electronic book 100, a switch device 112 for activating and deactivating the electronic book 100, as well as a slot 113 for the entry of compact discs, are properly distributed and in full length.

At the side end 110 of the rectangular section

103 and opposite the spine 111 of the electronic book 100, a slot is properly distributed and throughout its length 114 called PCMCIA for multiple uses, preferably Type III, which is used to add additional devices to the electronic book that allow the opportunity to transfer information through them; an input connection 115 for audio devices, preferably of the conventional type; a device of the parallel port type 116 that allows communication with peripheral devices such as printers, floppy disk drives and computers, for input and output of information; a device for telefax-modem interface 117 that allows the sending of information by telephone to a remote device, such as a fax or a personal computer; an input connection 118 for an optional peripheral keyboard; and, a connection 119 for a battery eliminating device, preferably of the conventional type.

The devices that are used to transfer information, can be among other memory expansion devices, telefax-modem devices via cell phone, sound card devices, etc.

A detailed view of the manner in which a compact disc 121 with information is inserted through slot 113 of the electronic book is shown in Figure 2

100, for processing and displaying information through screens 105 and 106 of said electronic book 100.

With respect to Figure 3, the electronic book 100 of the present invention is shown in a closed position, where the outer surfaces of the structure 101 of said electronic book 100 are seen, resembling the cover of a conventional book.

As a second embodiment of the present invention, the electronic book 100 is shown in Figure 4, in which the location of the slot 113 for compact discs, the slot 114 PCMCIA for multiple uses and the input connection 115 for audio devices , has been modified and identified as 113 ', 114' and 115 'respectively. In this embodiment, slot 113 'is preferably located at the upper side end of the section 102, slot 114 'is preferably located at the upper side end of section 103; and, the input connection 115 'is preferably located in the lower section of the side end 109. With regard to Figure 5, there is shown a third embodiment of the electronic book 100 of the present invention, which includes a slot 113 '' preferably located on the outer surface of section 102 of electronic book 100, to insert through it a compact disc 121.

As a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the electronic book 100 of the present invention is shown in Figure 6, in which slot 113 '' 'for input of compact discs, slot 114' '' PCMCIA for multiple uses, the input connection for audio devices 115 '' ', the device of the parallel port type 116' '', the device for telefax-modem interface 117 '' ', the input connection 118' '' for an optional peripheral keyboard and the connection 119 '' 'for a battery eliminating device, is preferably located on the spine 111 of said electronic book 100.

It is important to mention that the outer surfaces of the electronic book 100, can be made of some type of textured finish or surface cover, in order to more realistically represent the common appearance of a conventional printed book, there being the possibility of also using, covers of the type of lining, which function as book covers.

All the parts that make up the structure 101 and the bevels 107 and 108 of the electronic book 100, can be manufactured by molding, preferably using plastic materials, such as, among other things, polystyrene and / or ABS resin; However, it is also possible to use metallic materials and their alloys or composite materials for their manufacture, including combinations of alloys, plastics and ceramics.

Structure 101 must be manufactured considering an arrangement of the internal components of the electronic book distributed in both sections of the device, in order to distribute the weight in the best way, provided that the weight of one of the sections 102 or 103 will be greater than the other due to the batteries that will be required for the operation of the electronic book.

The electronic book 100 can also include special attachments such as, among others: stand for optional use on a flat surface (not shown in the figures); battery eliminator (not shown in the figures); removable anti-reflective screens 122; Optional peripheral reader for a second compact disc (not shown in the figures).

As can be seen from the description, the electronic book of the present invention is conceived as an innovative alternative with respect to the function played by the conventional printed book, seeking to maintain the spirit of this universal concept as regards the basic relationship of physical characteristics. use, and therefore in the basic design attributes and operating premises (dimensions, weight, portability, two-page design, content access mode, general appearance, etc.).

From this premise, powerful resources provided by electronics and computer sciences are incorporated into the electronic book of the present invention, in order to provide the electronic book with a set of capabilities and facilities that allow it to be considered as the ideal book .

The ideal book attributes considered, are based primarily on the possibility of interactivity with the user including among others the following features: a) Agile access to content, with multiple screen display options; b) Option to correlate the content of texts with each other or with respect to available glossaries, including two or more languages; c) Multiple and flexible addressing and search options; d) Customization options in the presentation of the content; e) Versatile options of paging modes, including independence between pages and window handling; f) Options multiple content selection and disposition of selections; g) Storage, export and import options for texts; h) Option of handling markers (indicators) maintaining the status in the last session; i) Approach option for graphs, maps and illustrations (zoom); j) Option of taking notes and dimensions; k) Multimedia option incorporating the possibility of simultaneous audio (voice, music, sound effects); 1) Option of interconnection to other sources of information, allowing access to information located in electronic libraries worldwide via conventional and / or cellular telefax-modem; m) Option to present figures with movement; n) Simple and intuitive operation through icons, menus and digitized on-screen keyboard; ñ) Portability of the equipment thanks to its characteristics of weight, volume, etc., combining all the tools and options of the user in a compact and self-sufficient device; o) Compatibility with optional peripheral equipment (printers, personal computers, floppy disk readers, etc.); p) possibility of communication with another electronic book; etc.

To satisfy the above-mentioned aspects, the electronic book of the present invention includes, among others, the following functions: a) Deployment: synchronous paging, asynchronous paging, screen freezing, window use, automatic paging (quick review of all or part of the document, paging at preset intervals, programmable paging, etc.); b) Addressing (GOTO Options): standard, by page, by indicator of the last session, by chapter, by subject or keyword; c) Personal Preferences: character size, line spacing, line indicator, presentation of selections, general preferences for displaying information (color scheme, menu and icon design, etc.); d) Processes: text selection (options: display, save, export, print), search, text correlation, personal notes, zoom (zoom), multimedia; e) Auxiliary functions: help, clear memory, reset (reset), undo (undo), printer settings, system messages; f) Functions for creating and managing files: save (save), delete (erase), print (print), communications, source and / or remote destination. In the modality described, the electronic book also incorporates the use of musical compact discs as an alternative to the reproduction of written information stored on compact discs, in addition to incorporating other services such as those of an electronic agenda or a calculator.

In an additional embodiment, the electronic book may incorporate the operation of a second compact disc reader that allows simultaneous reproduction of a compact disc with written information and a musical compact disc.

A block diagram of the components of the hardware model used in the electronic device of the present invention is shown in Figure 7, said components being within the most advanced state of computational art, which allows to provide a basic, consistent and complete solution to the requirements of the users of said electronic device.

The components of the hardware model support the basic operation and auxiliary services of the electronic book, and comprise a series of main components plus a series of components that provide accessory services. The main components of the hardware model of the present invention, comprise a microprocessor 200, a ROM type memory 201 that stores a master program or a part thereof, a compact disk interface 202, a compact disc reader 203, a memory RAM 204, a hard disk 205 which may or may not contain the complementary part of the master program, a bi-directional parallel port 206, an audio processor 207, at least one video processor 208, digitizing devices 209 (touch screens and mouse integrated) and a feeding system 210; and, the accessory components comprise a telefax-modem interface 211, a 212 PCMCIA slot for multiple uses and a 213 connector for an optional peripheral keyboard.

The main components allow the electronic book to fulfill all the functions for which it has been designed, as a versatile tool for accessing and displaying information.

On the other hand, the accessory components allow for additional services such as transmitting the information in the electronic book to a remote computer, or the connection that allows the exchange of information with remote sources / destinations.

The microprocessor 200 represents the brain of the electronic book, and its function is to process all the orders it receives from the user and the other blocks of the system, as well as to generate and send the necessary instructions to the different parts of the equipment so that Such orders are executed.

The component considered for the mode described is a microprocessor of at least 32 bits and a minimum speed of 33 MHz, preferably using 133 MHz, controlling the information traffic between the compact disc reader 203, the RAM 204 and the parallel port 206, the telefax-modem interface 211 and the video processor 208. The ROM 201 has the function of containing the system master program, which allows controlling each and every one of the operations performed by the electronic book.

When the equipment is switched on, the master program instructs the microprocessor to execute the system self-check routine. Subsequently, it tells the microprocessor to detect the presence of a disk in the compact disc reader 203 and, if applicable, load the status indicators of the disk, if it had been previously opened.

The master program receives and manages the instructions that are generated, telling the microprocessor what to do to perform the corresponding operation, generally taking care of the correct functioning of the equipment.

The interface 202 is a physical and logical interconnection device between the microprocessor and the sources of origin and destination of the information flow, which obeys the signals received through the instruction bus.

In this way, the interface 202 functions as a link between the hard disk or the compact disc reader and the information contained in the memory of the equipment. Optionally it can allow the link of an additional reader of external compact discs.

The compact disc reader 203 has the function of indicating its status to the microprocessor, informing if there is a compact disc in the reader, (as well as if there was an error), the format of the compact disc, the name of the disc in the reader, etc.; in addition to transmitting the contents of the compact disc to be displayed on the screens included in the video processor block

208. The modality described is based on a 5 1/4 inch IDE compact disc reader.

When reading a disc, the information read will be transferred to RAM 204, so that it can be displayed on the screens of video processor 208; and, if applicable, be transferred abroad via parallel port 206 or the telefax-modem 211 interface.

In the embodiment described, the RAM block 204 comprises two parts: A first main part corresponding to the memory circuits of the electronic book; and, a second part corresponding to the support circuits of the address and maintenance decoder, mainly.

The memory circuits of the RAM block

204 allow information to be stored from the compact disk or from a remote source, reducing continuous access to the disk reader 203. Access to the information from the RAM 204 is much faster than from the compact disc reader 203, because it makes use of parts mechanical which turn out to be much slower than the electronic ones.

By transferring the information from the compact disk or from a remote source to RAM 204, the advantage is offered of being able to view, search, select, print, mark and in general interactively manipulate said information.

On the other hand, the electronic support circuits allow the selection of the location in the memory in which information will be read or written, by means of an address decoder chip, as well as the maintenance of the information contained in the RAM of the book electronic, through other support circuits.

The modality described, mainly comprises dynamic RAM modules that can vary in a range of 4 to 16 Mbytes of memory.

Hard disk 205 is a magnetic information storage medium.

As such, its function is to store information or partially or totally download the file (s) that make up the deployed book, as well as the operation of the electronic book itself (indicators, notes, selections etc.)

Additionally, hard disk 205 may have part of the Master Program recorded, which allows the ROM 201 that stores the first part of the Master Program not to be too large, which depends on the final design of its internal components and / or expectations of operation.

The modality described is based on an IDE hard disk of 120 MBytes. The bi-directional parallel port 206 is an information input and output port.

The parallel port 206 allows us to communicate the electronic book with peripheral devices, such as: printers, floppy disk drives and computers, giving the opportunity to transfer the information to these media, - in addition to being responsible for transmitting the selected information to the printer, through menus and icons digitally displayed on book screens electronic.

The audio processor 207 is based on the operation of a digital-analog converter and a wave synthesizer, transforming the digital information contained in the compact disc or the remote source to an analog signal so that it can be heard.

The electronic book allows you to listen to musical compact discs, as well as the audio that eventually some compact discs that store information on encyclopedias, educational books, etc., may contain.

The audio processor 207 allows to have stereo audio through headphones or external speakers through an audio output in a mini-connector.

The video processor 208 handles the display of information, icons, menus, etc., through the two screens of the electronic book, with all the capabilities and flexibilities determined by the master program, such as freezing pages, selecting text, zoom (zoom), etc. The modality described is based on two video processors and 1 Mbyte of memory for exclusive use of the video. The screens provided in this mode have a resolution of 640 X 480 pixels and can handle up to 256 shades of colors; however, it is also possible to use higher resolution screens.

The digitizing devices 209 (touch screens and integrated mouse) indicate to the master program the position of the pointer on the screens of the electronic book associating them with the options of the menus, with the information displayed, with icons, with the digitized keyboard, with the selections of text, etc. This will allow the activation of the different processes and functions available.

In the modality described, these two scanning tools are included, considering their indiscriminate use, which will allow greater flexibility in the use of the device. Regular use by touch screens is considered given its direct access, and the use of mouse integrated into the e-book, for manipulation that requires greater precision.

The power system 210 provides the appropriate power voltages for each block, preferably using a battery pack that allows a period of at least two hours of uninterrupted use, which allows to offer the ease of moving the equipment without requiring a source of electric power.

This block allows the user to detect the condition of the electric charge of the battery. The modality described is based on the power supply of a NiMH Nickel Hydride rechargeable battery pack.

The accessory blocks of the electronic book as already mentioned comprise the telefax-modem 211 interface; slot 212 PCMCIA; and, the optional peripheral keyboard connector 213.

The telefax-modem 211 interface allows the electronic book information to be sent via telephone line to a remote device, for example a telefax machine, also allowing the connection of the electronic book to a peripheral personal computer, located at home or in the home. office, or, a link to a possible bookstore or an electronic library, via telephone line or through direct connection. The 212 PCMCIA slot type III allows versatile devices type III PCMCIA card to be added to the ebook; Such devices may be additional memory, telefax-modem via cell phone, sound cards, etc., offering the opportunity to transfer information through these means.

The optional peripheral keyboard connector 213 provides the user with the option of using an extended peripheral keyboard. With this option additional facilities are allowed in the case of a more frequent or intensive use of software tools related to writing, such as short notes or memos. The modality described includes a mini-din-5 connector.

In an additional mode, the electronic book it can include an entry for a second compact disc reader, which allows offering the possibility of adapting a second compact disc reader allowing the user to simultaneously access the information of two compact discs for reading or consultation, or to display the written information of a compact disc and meanwhile listen to music at the user's choice, from the second reader.

The hardware model shown in the block diagram of Figure 7 is based on the following operating logic:

The electronic book has a 32-bit data bus through which data and orders flow, in addition to having an address bus that serves to direct to which component they go or from which component the data that travels through the bus of data.

At power-up, the master program (housed in ROM 201) sends the orders via the data bus for the microprocessor 200 to execute the component self-check routine.

Next, the microprocessor 200 instructs the compact disc reader 203 to obtain the name of the compact disc placed, in order to verify and compare its identification with respect to the table of pointers that is stored on the hard disk 205 and that it will have previously been generated by reading of the compact disc reader 203 for later storage in RAM 204.

The orders of the master program travel through the same data bus to the microprocessor 200, which in turn sends orders to the different components, depending on the function being executed by the electronic book. During the entire operation session of the electronic book, the master program sends the necessary commands to the microprocessor 200 for proper general operation.

In the event that the function developed was to display available text information on the compact disc to be presented to the user, the information travels via the data bus to RAM 204 and from there to video processor 208, which displays it on the corresponding screen, according to instructions from the master program.

In another case, such as transferring information from the e-book to a peripheral device, the information that was already read from the compact disc, and which is therefore already in RAM 204, travels through the data bus to the parallel port. bidirectional 206 to be sent to the selected equipment, which was previously physically connected to parallel port 206 of the electronic book. If a transfer over long distances is required, the accessory facility of the telefax-modem 211 interface that operates based on the use of telephone lines can be used. Information that comes from the controller circuit of the digitizers 209 also travels through the data bus, by means of which the user can indicate the desired option by pointing out icons or menu options.

On the other hand, the address bus conducts address lines generated by the microprocessor 200, which will be used by the address decoder, which is an integrated electronic circuit that receives the address signals and selects the memory location from which Information will be read or written. Interface 202 controls the traffic of the information traveling to or from the compact disc reader and the data bus, as well as the information that goes to or from the hard disk and the data bus. Optionally it allows the connection of an additional reader of external compact discs.

The circuits of the interface 202, in addition to being link circuits, can also be selection circuits, which allows the control of information traffic traveling to or from the compact disc reader and the data bus, as well as the information that comes and goes from the hard drive and the data bus.

As can be seen, the electronic book of the present invention is focused on providing a service with Versatile and improved possibilities with respect to those currently available from printed books, or from the information contained in compact discs, which need to be read by means of a personal computer. Thus, the applications that can be considered today for the device of the present invention, cover the different possibilities of use that a conventional printed book can have, such as among others: general reading, consultation of specialized information, study and learning, recreation, electronic agenda, calculator, etc .; coupled with the fact that it presents countless advantages over the conventional printed book, among which there are: 1) Ecological aspects, contributing to paper savings and therefore contributing to the preservation of forest resources; 2) Globalization of information, by offering an alternative portable medium for access to global information banks, as well as the eventual rise of electronic libraries; 3) Dissemination of culture, by offering an alternative channel for the dissemination of intellectual manifestations; 4) Use of learning systems, by offering an interactive tool as an alternative to the learning experience, even self-taught; 5) Dissemination of foreign languages, as it is a distinctively valuable medium in the teaching of languages and dissemination of texts edited simultaneously in more than one language; 6) Use of information storage technology, which contributes to the handling of a large amount of information recorded in optical media (compact discs), facilitating the transport and storage of these in small spaces; and, 7) Economic aspect, since currently an intellectual work registered in optical media turns out to be cheaper with respect to the printed book, given the costs of raw materials and manufacturing. With regard to the need to manage the resources of the e-book, as well as to support its functions, a concept-level software model called a master program has been developed, which is located contained in ROM 201 of the hardware model, as already mentioned above.

The main purpose of the master program is to provide a better understanding of the routines and functions of the device, also providing the complement to the design definition base that has been proposed for the hardware model components, as well as being an element inherent in the design, operation and concept of the electronic book, since in fact it is the intelligent component of it. A block diagram of all the functions that are part of the master program is shown in Figure 8.

The master program, at its conceptual level, comprises seven modules that cover all the functions, resources and requirements of the intelligent electronic book system, namely: a coordinating module 300, a deployment module 301, a special options module 302, a multimedia module 303, an input and output module 304; a function module 305; and, a processing module 306.

Of these seven modules, modules 301 to 306 integrate the operating logic of the master program, and perform specific functions that relate to each other through the coordinator module 300, which also coordinates the interaction between the electronic book and the user.

The specific functions of each module are described below.

The coordinator module 300, as already mentioned, allows to control the flow of data and instructions between the different modules that complement the system, in addition to coordinating the actions performed by the system as a whole.

The deployment module 301, allows to control the flow of data and instructions to the information display screens, in addition to controlling the different presentation characteristics of the information (synchronous, asynchronous, font size, space between lines, etc.). The main function of the deployment module 301, is to receive information from the different modules in relation to the screens, to send it to the corresponding screen, and conversely, to receive information from the screens by means of the digitizing devices (screens of touch or mouse) to send it to the corresponding modules.

This module basically works under two schemes, Synchronous and Asynchronous. Synchronous mode allows the option to use the electronic book as a conventional printed book, page information and showing it under the traditional ascending or descending sequence of successive pages.

Asynchronous mode facilitates the option to display the screens independently of each other (not successively), allowing different functions to be performed on each screen, or, to relate information from one of the screens to the other; for example, it allows you to correlate the glossary of terms of the information displayed with a particular page.

As an additional function, you have the handling of windows in each of the screens under both synchronous and asynchronous modes, which allows you to offer the option of displaying sections of information related to the text, or messages that come from other modules or from the same system, such as error messages.

The module of special options 302, allows to offer tools that facilitate to manipulate the information displayed so that a greater benefit is obtained during the use of the electronic book, as it is to write down notes of the read, to activate the zooming function, in addition to offer the option of using bookmarks for the automatic location of the page shown in the last deployment session. The multimedia module 303 allows to coordinate the access and output of sound, data and / or images from a compact disc, so that they can be displayed simultaneously. The different types of Information can be accessed or not at the same time, and the images can be static or dynamic.

The multimedia module, allows to provide a greater degree of interactivity between the user and the electronic book, when responding with images and sounds to the questions and questions asked.

The input and output module 304 allows communication between the electronic book and the outside world through ports (ports) and drivers (drivers). The module 304 allows the control of the different devices for sending or receiving information, such as the compact disc reader, screen drivers (icons, menus, etc.), digitizing device drivers

(mouse and touch screens), as well as some other type of digitizing device.

The input and output module 304 also allows to control a digitized on-screen keyboard, which is activated by means of an icon that is displayed on the liquid crystal displays, said keyboard being operated by means of the electronic book digitizing devices.

The availability of the digitized on-screen keyboard does not rule out the possibility of connecting an external keyboard via interfaces if the user requires it.

The input and output module 304 makes it possible to offer the necessary tools to use the communication ports of the electronic book, which are used to access information contained in other similar equipment, namely computers, electronic libraries, other electronic books, etc .; in addition to allowing communication with a remote position, such as through a telefax-modem; and, allow interconnection with different devices physically. The function module 305, allows to manage the functions that directly relate the user to the e-book, setting the user's preferences and actions. The function module 305 comprises two submodules, a first submodule of personal preferences, which is responsible for setting user preferences, such as language in which you want to read, font size, spacing, etc; and, a second sub-module called auxiliary functions, which is designed to help the user facilitate the use of the electronic book.

To offer these facilities, the second sub-module allows you to display a help screen online, to answer any questions about the operation of the electronic book; allows to offer a function of resetting the electronic book to undo any previous changes to its configuration; it allows to have the configuration option, which helps us to configure the various devices that connect to the electronic book; and, allows you to scroll through the text within one or both screens of the electronic book to read the information in full using the swapping segment option. This option is used when, when changing the font size, the size of the information displayed exceeds the size of the electronic book screens.

The processing module 306, allows to process all the information, so that the user can handle the data and access the required information in an easy and fast way; besides allowing to relate information found in different parts of the electronic book.

Its main functions are to send error messages or e-book status when required, or when requested; allows you to select a text that will later be given special treatment, such as saving it to the hard disk of the electronic book, printing it, or sending it via fax; allows to facilitate the search for information; allows you to position the section of the book you want by a simple instruction (equivalent to GOTO); and, allows you to correlate the information found in different parts of the book, using both screens; for example, the same text can be correlated in two different languages, or the text can be correlated with the glossary of terms, etc. In accordance with the above description, it can be seen that the electronic book of the present invention is designed as a novel electronic device of specific purpose, which can be described as an intelligent book, designed to become a medium capable of presenting information interactively from electronic / optical storage media.

The electronic book is conceived as an innovative and enriched alternative regarding the role that printed books play as a universal means of communication.

The proposed device provides the user with unique possibilities - superior and versatile - in the access to information, regarding the options that can be obtained from both normal printed books and existing electronic media during reading, study, recreation, consultation, etc. . Additionally, the advantages due to the use of sound and image -Multimedia- as well as other flexible accessory services are provided.

The electronic book of the present invention is then an innovative device that refers to the use of state-of-the-art technology, whose external appearance will resemble that of a conventional book and whose operation will be based on the reading of information generated by a local or remote source, its processing and deployment through a double screen system.

Although specific modalities of the present invention have been shown and described in the foregoing, it should be emphasized that numerous modifications to such modalities are made possible without departing from the true scope of the invention. The present invention, therefore, should not be restricted except as required by the prior art and by the spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

NEWS OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1.- An electronic book, characterized in that it comprises a foldable structure in two sections, which are joined by means of an assembly element that allows the controlled movement of said two sections on said assembly element, to allow opening and closing. of said electronic book, as well as to allow the passage of the various analog and digital interconnection elements required to interconnect the components of the hardware model.

2.- An electronic book in accordance with claim 1, further characterized in that the two sections of the folding structure are preferably rectangular in shape and include liquid crystal screens that allow the display of the information accessed in the electronic book.

3. - An electronic book according to claim 2, further characterized in that the liquid crystal screens can be of the conventional type or of the touch screen type.

4. - An electronic book according to claim 3, further characterized in that the liquid crystal screens are of the touch screen type.

5. - An electronic book in accordance with claim 4, further characterized in that the screens each include and around them a bezel, such that the screen-bezel assembly resembles the pages of a conventional printed book with their corresponding margins. .

6. - An electronic book in accordance with claim 1, further characterized in that the assembly element can be a sliding mechanism, a retractable mechanism, an articulated mechanism or combinations thereof.

1 . - An electronic book according to claim 6, further characterized in that the assembly mechanism is a hinge type sliding mechanism.

8.- An electronic book according to claim 1, further characterized in that at the lateral ends of the electronic book, on the covers and on the spine thereof, a switch device is appropriately distributed to activate and deactivate the electronic book; a CD input slot; a Type III PCMCIA slot to add additional devices to the electronic book that provide the opportunity to transfer information through them; an input connection for audio devices; a parallel port type device; a telefax-modem interface device; an input connection for an optional peripheral keyboard; and, a connection for a battery eliminator device.

9. - An electronic book according to claim 8, further characterized in that the additional devices are selected from memory expansion devices, telefax-modem devices via cellular and sound card devices.

10.- An electronic book in accordance with claim 1, further characterized in that the rectangular sections include within the area comprising the bezel, an input device to control the screen cursor, which is integrated into the bezel of said section. rectangular.

11.- An electronic book according to claim 10, further characterized in that the input device is of the type known as a mouse.

12.- An electronic book according to claim 1, further characterized in that the components of the hardware model comprise a plurality of main components; and, a plurality of components that provide accessory services.

13. - An electronic book according to claim 12, further characterized in that the main components comprise a microprocessor that processes all orders received from the user and the other components of the electronic book, in addition to generating and send to the different parts of the electronic book, the necessary instructions for such orders to be executed; a ROM type memory that contains a master program or a part thereof, which allows controlling each and every one of the operations carried out by the electronic book; a compact disc interface that allows the hard disk or compact disc reader to be linked with the information contained in the equipment's memory, also allowing the link of an additional external compact disc reader; a compact disc reader, which allows the content of the compact disc to be transmitted to be displayed on the screens, in addition to sending information on its condition to the microprocessor; a RAM memory that allows storing part or all of the information of the compact disc to be read, in addition to storing the information coming from a remote source, said RAM memory comprising a first part that corresponds to the memory circuits of the electronic book and a second part which corresponds to the support circuits for an address decoder chip and the support circuits for maintaining the information contained in the RAM memory; a hard drive that allows storing information and/or partially or totally downloading the files that make up the displayed book, as well as the operation of the electronic book itself and storing part of the master program; a bidirectional parallel port for input and output of information, which allows the electronic book to communicate with peripheral devices, such as printers, floppy disk drives and/or computers; an audio processor that allows the digital information contained in the compact disc or remote source to be transformed into an analog signal so that it can be heard, said audio processor including an audio output that allows stereophonic audio through headphones or speakers external; at least one video processor that allows managing the display of information, icons and/or menus, through the two screens of the electronic book, with all the capabilities and flexibilities determined by the master program; digitizing devices for indicate to the master program the position of the pointer on the electronic book screens, associating them with the menu options, with the information displayed, with icons, with the digitized keyboard, with the text selections, also allowing the activation of the different processes and available features; and, a power supply system, which provides the required supply voltages for each component of the electronic book.

14.- An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the microprocessor is a microprocessor with at least 32 bits and a minimum speed of 33 MHz to control the information between the components of the hardware model, preferably using a speed 133 MHz.

15.- An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the compact disc reader is a 5 1/4 inch IDE technology reader.

16.- An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the RAM memory comprises dynamic RAM memory modules that vary on a scale of 4 to 16 Mbytes of memory.

17.- An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the hard drive is a 120 Mbyte IDE hard drive.

18.- An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the video processor comprises two video processors of 1 Mbyte of memory, and the screens have a resolution of 640 X 480 pixels and can handle up to 256 color tones. .

19. - An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the power supply system is a plurality of rechargeable Nickel Hydride NiMH batteries.

20.- An electronic book according to claim 13, further characterized in that the digitizing devices are touch screens and/or at least one mouse integrated into the book. electronic.

21.- An electronic book in accordance with claim 12, further characterized in that the accessory components comprise a telefax-modem interface that allows the information of the electronic book to be sent by telephone line to a remote device, in addition to allowing the link to a bookstore or an electronic library, via telephone line or through direct connection; a type III PCMCIA slot that allows versatile type III PCMCIA card devices to be added to the e-book, such as extra memory, fax-modem via cell phone, sound cards, in addition to offering the opportunity to transfer information through these devices; and, an optional peripheral keyboard connector that allows providing the user with the option of using an extended peripheral keyboard.

22.- An electronic book according to claim 21, further characterized in that the optional peripheral keyboard connector is a din-5 mini connector.

23.- An electronic book according to claim 21, further characterized in that it includes an input for a second compact disc reader.

24. - An electronic book in accordance with claim 13, further characterized in that the master program comprises a coordinator module that allows controlling the flow of data and instructions between the different modules that complement the system, in addition to coordinating the actions carried out by the system. As a whole, - a display module that allows controlling the flow of data and instructions to the information display screens, controlling the different characteristics of information presentation, receiving information from the different modules of the master program to send it to the screen corresponding, and receive information from the screens through the digitizing devices to send it to the corresponding modules; a module of special options that allows facilitating and manipulating the information displayed in such a way as to obtain greater benefit during the use of the electronic book, such as allowing you to take notes on what you have read, activate the zoom function, use bookmarks for automatic location of the page shown in the last display session, etc.; a multimedia module that allows coordinating the access and output of sound, data and/or images from a compact disc, so that they can be displayed simultaneously; an input and output module that allows communication between the electronic book and the outside world through ports and drivers, allowing control of different devices to send or receive information, such as the compact disc reader, screen drivers, digitizing device drivers, as well as controlling a digitized on-screen keyboard; a function module that allows managing the functions that directly relate the user to the electronic book, establishing the usage preferences and the user's actions, said function module comprising a first submodule of personal preferences such as the language in which the user wants to perform the reading, font size, spacing, etc., and a second submodule of auxiliary functions designed to help the user facilitate the use of the e-book; and, a processing module that allows all the information to be processed, so that the user can manage the data and access the required information in an easy and fast way, in addition to allowing information found in different parts of the electronic book to be related.

25.- An electronic book according to claim 8, further characterized in that at the lateral end of one of the two sections and opposite to the spine of the electronic book, the switch device to activate and deactivate is appropriately distributed throughout its length. the e-book and CD slot; and, at the lateral end of the other section and opposite to the spine of the electronic book, the PCMCIA slot of the Type III, the input connection for audio devices, the parallel port type device, the telefax-modem interface device, the input connection for an optional peripheral keyboard and the connection for a battery eliminator device.

26.- An electronic book according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compact disc slot is preferably located at the upper lateral end of one of the two sections, the PCMCIA slot is preferably located at the upper lateral end of the other section; and, the inlet connection is preferably located in the lower section of one of the lateral ends.

27.- An electronic book according to claim 8, further characterized in that the slot for input of compact discs is located on the outer surface of one of the two sections of the electronic book.

28.- An electronic book according to claim 8, further characterized in that the compact disc input slot, the PCMCIA slot, the input connection for audio devices, the parallel port type device, the telefax interface device - modem, the input connection for an optional peripheral keyboard and the connection for a battery elimination device, are preferably located on the spine of said electronic book.